As travel becomes more and more social, a service allowing for near-instant translation of social media messages such as the freshly released SociaLingo by ComTranslations promises to help tourism companies tremendously in better targeting their international customers. While English still is the preferred communication language for travel companies, hoteliers or bar and restaurants owners that try to attract the international crowd, it is not even close to being a safe bet if they want to grab the attention of all potential customers.

While some limit themselves to engaging tourists in their native tongue and in English,  the real-time social media translation service introduced today by ComTranslations seems like the best answer to travel and tourism companies’ multilingual marketing needs. SociaLingo supports translations in about 140 languages and the best part is that these are not automatic, engine-driven interpretations. There are human translators behind the services, allowing for greater accuracy and proper cultural adaptation of your social media marketing messages.

“With 93% of marketers using Social Media for businesses, social media tools are giving businesses and corporations an outlet to communicate with their target audience in a way that wasn’t possible before,” explained Carlos Garcia, ComTranslations CEO. “This enables instantaneous dissemination of various content. But while businesses may be actively engaging in social media, unless they are participating across a wide spectrum of languages, they are missing the boat. An estimated 50% of social media users communicate in languages other than English. This is where SociaLingo comes in, offering businesses a near real-time translation solution, available in over 140 languages.”

Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube are only the most popular of the social media channels supported by SociaLingo. Using the services, what a travel company marketer has to do is select his social media channels, come up with the message and choose the languages they want them translated into. The rest – translating the message and posting the localized version on social networks is carried out by a large team of native translators.

Here’s a video better explaining why and how travel industry players need to use ComTranslations’ SociaLingo:

Whilst walking along the quaint cobblestoned area of the gorgeous UNESCO site, it is quite a rich platter of visionary, sensory and historicstimulus. San Cristóbal de la Laguna was the first Spanish non-fortified colonial town, its layout providing the model for many more colonial towns in the Americas. The peaceful and free concept the town was based upon from its birth just before the 1500’s, feels almost palpable. In its beginning people were not allocated plots, but were given free rein to build wherever they wanted. Initially mainly housing soldiers, the land was offered as public and ‘free’, people being allowed to freely build their homes. Although soldiers predominantly, the town has been relatively peaceful under this almost utopian birth.

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Amidst my musings upon the area’s history, and trying to take in its heritage, I found suddenly that I had happened upon the heavily renaissanceinfluencedtown centre. Here would have been where hunters and poachers alike would have sold their questionable game. Speaking of which, accidentally getting so lost in my surroundings, and in time itself, I found that I was very hungry. Between St Catherine’sConvent and the Neo-Classical Cathedral, I found nestled a quaint, traditional looking Italian Restaurant. It was called Osteria da Andrea.

It had a very artistic, sophisticated feel whilst being minimal and unpretentious. It seemed to be very traditionally Italian, and being very cosy I felt it was just what I needed after my days ramblings. They had cleverly extended out over the patio of this old Canary townhouse so they had a decent amount of space for therestaurant, and this is where I sat. With such a great setting I had pretty high hopes for the food now I had sat and took in the ambience. It was nice to have found somewhere that serves something other than the usual hearty Canary cuisine.

I went ahead and ordered Spaghetti al Nero di Sepia for my main, and Bruschetta for my starter. The service was most friendly and the gorgeous young waitress made me feel almost like an old friend, which was nice and relaxing. The service was also swift and I had before me my starter within 10 minutes. Without further ado, I was eagerly tucking into my Bruschetta. The food was very well presented but was not the tastiest Bruschetta I had ever had, and I’m not particularly much of a connoisseur.

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However as I would not judge a book by its cover, I would not judge the main by the starter. My Spaghetti al Nero di Sepia arrived and looked fantastic, gleaming black from the squid’s ink. I am a great lover of seafood, and this dish really did live up to expectations, aromatic, rich and tasty without being overbearing. Not having a sweet tooth I did not go for pudding, but was nonetheless absolutely satisfied with the 2 courses, both of which were very genuine in portion size. I would definitely recommend this restaurant, excellent food for excellent prices.

About the author
Peter has been travelling all over the Canary Islands and all the coasts around Spain, he enjoys writing about the epic treks he finds himself on. Peter loves staying in villas that he books at http://www.housetrip.com/en/tenerife

If you are going to London or already live there, a wide variety of food options are available. This is one of the best places in the world to enjoy a meal, so why not go all out for one of them? Going to a top Michelin Star restaurant is going to be an amazing experience. While the food is going to cost more, it’s well worth it for the quality and taste you get! Restaurants to consider include:

1) Galvin La Chapelle

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Right when you walk into this restaurant you will be impressed. There are lavish decorations and beautifully plated dishes. This is one of the top London restaurants to visit that has some pretty amazing reviews from both professional chefs and everyday people! Some of the most popular dishes on the menu include: crab lasagna, roasted peach and lavender ice cream, pumpkin voulete with mushroom and chestnut with parmesan gnocchi.

2) Rasoi

This restaurant features both Indian and Pakistani dishes. It’s in the Chelsea area and close to a lot of other trendy restaurants. Their chocolate mimosas and chai ice cream are some of the most popular desserts on the menu that aren’t available anywhere else! There are a lot of kebabs available to choose from that are quite popular on the menu for a main dish. The naan is also freshly made and comes in a variety of different flavors.

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3) Amaya

This is another Indian and Pakistani restaurant that tops the list. Some of the best food items on the menu include: Canadian lobster with masala sauce, tandoori black pepper chicken tikka, grilled lamb chops, crisp apple brioche and monk fish! With each bite of the dishes you can tell the ingredients are both unique and extremely fresh.

4) North Road

This restaurant specializes in serving Scandanavian and modern European dishes. This is food that most other restaurants don’t serve, so it can make for a unique experience. The inside is decorated to be warm and inviting, which makes the meal even better. Some of the highest rated dishes include: steak tartar, amuse bouche, rolls with caramelized butter and venison with artichokes.

5) Club Gascon

This French restaurant has a very cosy and romantic atmosphere. There are a wide variety of dishes available, including some great desserts. The amuse bouche is one of the most popular appetizers that are ordered. There is also a vegetarian menu available for people with certain dietary restrictions. Popular menu items include: frogs legs, foie gras flan, roasted sea trout and black sturgeon.

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There are a wide variety of other restaurants in and near London available to choose from. It’s a good idea to go outside your comfort zone and try a different cuisine than what you are used to. Since Michelin star rated restaurants have to be the best in order to get this rating, you will be experiencing the best of the best! Out of all the London restaurants, these are going to offer you a lot of great dishes that are made by chefs who have a lot of experience.
About the author
Steve loves fine dining, but when at home orders takeaway from www.urbanbite.com or www.just-eat.co.uk to cure any food cravings.

Vacations are about relaxing and getting away from it all, so the last thing on your mind as you prepare for your trip is whether or not your personal health insurance is sufficient to cover you while you’re away. Unfortunately, accidents and illnesses happen, even on vacation. Before you head for the airport or board a cruise ship, you should know what kind of coverage your health insurance will provide if you get sick or hurt while you’re traveling outside of the U.S.

How to Read Your Policy

Rather than wade through every page of your policy, head straight for the section marked “Medical Emergencies” or “Emergency Care.” Look for wording that states whether you’re covered when you’re out of the country. Most health insurance policies provide at least some coverage for emergencies when you’re traveling. But what constitutes an emergency?

In the case of your health, an emergency is anything an average person would consider life-threatening or that has the potential to result in permanent injury. If you pass out or experience chest pains, most people would agree these could be symptoms of life-threatening conditions and would thus constitute a medical emergency – even if you turn out to be suffering from the effects of an over-indulgent meal or not getting enough sleep. An injury that results in loss of consciousness, potentially broken bones or significant blood loss would also qualify as an emergency. A sore throat, a rash or a cut that doesn’t require stitches probably wouldn’t qualify as an emergency unless these symptoms persisted and/or worsened over time.

Talk It Over

If you have any questions or are still unsure about anything, call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask the company to verify its policy for overseas medical coverage. Explain you’ll be traveling and ask for advice for what to do if you or your loved ones become sick or are hurt while on vacation.

How It Works

Your insurance card will be useless while you’re overseas, since foreign countries don’t accept U.S. insurance. You’ll be expected to pay for your medical care upfront and turn in your bills when you get home. Be sure to get an itemized receipt of all medical care you received. File these papers with your insurance company, and they will pay according to its schedule of usual charges. In general, if your insurance only covers 80 percent of the cost of emergency care in the U.S., or requires a co-pay, these same conditions will apply to any care you received overseas.

Exception to the Rule

Medicare is a U.S.-only insurance program. If you travel outside the U.S. and need medical care, Medicare won’t supply coverage. In this case, look to your supplemental medical insurance policy for help. Review your policy and call customer service to find out if your policy will reimburse you for emergency medical care overseas.

Like staterooms on a cruise ship and seating on a plane, not all health insurance plans are created equal. If you’re a frequent traveler, your policy’s coverage for overseas emergencies matters when it comes down to buying the health coverage that’s right for you. Before you set sail for your next vacation, find out if your insurance will be there for you, even when you’re far away from home.

About the author

Felicia Baratz is a freelance writer and designer living in Indianapolis. As a contributor to Cooks & Travel Books, she discusses the latest in cultural trends and their relation to travel and education.

World Independent Hotels Promotion (WIHP), a marketing agency dedicated to the hotels and accommodation industry, has signed a recent deal with content globalization solutions provider ComTranslations to access translation services in about 140 languages. WIHP will use the content services of ComTranslations in its campaign aimed at raising awareness and increasing visibility for the hotels they represent through outreach programs in local languages.

The translation services they have just contracted will help WIHP hotels to better target travelers from across the globe in their mother tongue, making the venues more attractive and far easier to get to know. This recent deal doesn’t only help hotels WIHP already represents, it also helps the agency attract more customers as they can expand their all-inclusive marketing solutions for hoteliers into various markets from across the world.

“We chose to work with ComTranslations because of the firm’s demonstrated ability to provide quality translations in an exacting and timely manner. More than this, ComTranslations translators are native to each target country, they understand local culture and public perceptions, and will help us leverage our influence to build greater appeal to travelers for the hotels we represent,” explained Clement Landes, Production Director at WIHP.

The new hotel marketing services offered by WIHP and ComTranslations will include localization efforts targeting both hotel websites and all relevant marketing materials, which will be translated in all languages relevant to the countries a certain hotel is trying to reach.

With jet fuel prices being a big issue for airlines, it’s not at all surprising air carriers are trying to find new ways to keep their costs down and their prices from going up. Delta Airlines has decided the acquisition of an oil refinery from Pennsylvania is the best option to cut costs. The airline estimates they will save about 300 million US dollars per year after this move.

The deal announced early this week was closed by Delta subsidiary Monroe Energy LLC and Phillips 66. Other than the huge cut in costs for the air carrier, Monroe Energy LLC also received 30 million US dollars from the state of Pennsylvania as a reward for their efforts to create jobs and improve infrastructure.

The jet fuel produced by the newly acquired refinery, along with other similar deals, will make up for about 80% of the fuel Delta Airlines needs for its flights within the US. While empowering local businesses and creating jobs which is always welcome in a time of financial struggle, the airline will also manage to prevent prices from going up and driving air travelers away.

Popular video search engine blinkx has teamed up with web series Travel Therapy to introduce its users to hundreds of professional travel videos that will help them get inspired and better plan their summer vacation. The travel and lifestyle series Travel Therapy created by Emmy award winner journalist Karen Schaler and mix breathtaking views and videos of top tourist attractions with tips and tricks for each destination they showcase.

To make the partnership a profitable one, blinkx will place contextual ads on the videos and share the revenue with their partner. Given Schaler’s varied and interesting travel experience generated by 15 years of globetrotting as a journalist and blinkx popularity, there shouldn’t be a shortage in viewers and ad clicks for Travel Therapy video content.

“When it comes to vacation planning, surveys shows that tourists are skipping the travel agent and going straight to the Web,” said Julia Blystone, CMO, blinkx. “We’re delighted to partner with Karen Schaler’s Travel Therapy series to offer our users access to the insight and advice of an expert who has spent an entire career exploring the world.”

blinkx and their new partner are correct in identifying this trend and they will most surely capitalize on those of us with the travel bug but still at a loss when it comes to trip planning ideas. Travel Therapy doesn’t simply take viewers around the world, it also teaches them how to use travel to empower and change their lives. The series promotes travel as a solution for ugly breakups, stress, a deep need for some fun and other such issues that we all deal with at a point or another.

“Since I’m constantly traveling in search of new Travel Therapy experiences to share, so far visiting more than fifty countries, I joke my ‘home’ now  is wherever I put my suitcase. Especially in this economy we can’t afford to take the wrong trip, so my goal is for the Travel Therapy series to help people pick and plan the vacation they need and deserve,” said Karen Schaler, creator and host, Travel Therapy. “At Travel Therapy we are very excited to partner with blinkx as its unique technology and advanced search capabilities enable frequent jet-setters and occasional tourists alike to find which part of the world is right for them—and know the best things to do when they get there.”

We’re curious to see what’s next for blinkx in the travel segment if this partnership turns out to be everything they have hoped for. Maybe more travel videos and shows?

If you’re planning to work and travel throughout Australia, then Brisbane definitely has to be one of the places on your journey. The city is well known for its easy going and friendly charm, year round warm and subtropical weather, top tourist attractions and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Here is some useful information to help you plan your working holiday trip to Brisbane.

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Types of Jobs

There are a variety of full time, part time, casual and temporary jobs throughout Brisbane. It’s a great idea to find a job near your accommodation such as apartments in Brisbane CBD or the suburbs.

Major industries – tourism, retail, building and construction, aviation, agriculture, biotechnology, marine and mining

Popular traveller positions – telemarketer, factory worker, office/secretarial worker, IT consultant, maintenance worker, labourer on building sites, nurse, street salesperson for charity organisations, restaurant/cafe waiter, caterer, gardener

Tourism jobs – cruise boat kitchen hand, surfing instructor, ice cream seller, hostel receptionist

Temporary jobs at big events – food handling and service, ticket seller, security guard, flyer distributor, car park attendant, information guide, souvenir or drink vendor

Popular backpacker jobs – bar attendant, resort work, hostel desk worker, harvest work like fruit and vegetable picking, babysitting, shop assistant, gift wrapping at malls during the Christmas period

Travelling around Brisbane CBD

Getting around Brisbane’s public transport system is easy. There are TransLink trains and buses and the popular CityCat ferries. There are also a lot of bike paths across the city.

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Job Search Resources

There are informational job workshops that help travellers with job searching. They also provide job databases and assistance in writing resumes. Hostels also have job boards, which are very useful for backpackers.

It’s also important to take initiative when job hunting. Try searching online for appropriate Brisbane companies and employment agencies that offer jobs to working travellers. You can also send emails directly to the companies you’d like to work for to enquire about any work, even if they have not advertised for jobs.

Working Holiday Visa

You will need an Australian Working Holiday Visa to be able to work and travel across the country. This allows you to stay in Australia for up to 12 months, work for up to six months with each employer, and study for up to four months. With a Working Holiday Visa; you need to be aged between 18 and 30, not be accompanied by dependent children during your time in Australia, and satisfy health and financial requirements.

Accommodation

There are a variety of accommodation and living options for working travellers across Brisbane. There are many hotels and motels that fit all budgets and holiday conditions. For serviced apartments, Brisbane has suites that include independent living style facilities like fully equipped kitchens and lounge and dining areas, laundry, high speed internet connection, swimming pools and gymnasiums. This is a great option for long term accommodation. Also, hostels and renting an apartment with a local or fellow traveller are ideal options for backpackers and travelling residents.

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Popular Brisbane Attractions

Travelling workers can enjoy the many exciting Brisbane hotspots during breaks from working or in between jobs. Some of these include:

• New Farm Park – Located by the Brisbane River, this is a great place to relax and have a picnic in the beautiful shady areas among the large rose gardens and plants.
• Brisbane Powerhouse – While you’re in New Farm Park, visit the Brisbane Powerhouse for the ultimate in arts, culture and creativity. You can catch a theatre or comedy show or see a visual arts exhibition.
• Moreton Bay – This peaceful area is situated only 25 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD. Enjoyable activities include diving, surfing, sand tobogganing and quad biking.
• Australia Zoo – Around one hour from Brisbane, this world famous wildlife park is the home of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. You’ll find fascinating exhibits and experience hands-on interactions with the animals.

About the author
Tom Mallet is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US, adding an Asian twist once in a while. He’s published more than 500 articles about various topics.

Most people will try to cut costs when travelling. And it makes sense for a number of reasons. When you are travelling with the family, making meals can be much better than eating out all the time, so staying in one of the serviced apartments Sydney has to offer sounds like a good idea. But when you really think about it, how often do you get to go on a holiday? Is it time to ditch the hostel search and start looking at resorts in Malaysia for your next trip? We think so!

A History of Bad Holidays?

Did you have a less-than-desirable experience the last time you took a family holiday? It certainly pays to have a luxurious escape if your last few trips have been less than wonderful. Accommodation can make a big difference to your holiday experience. Even staying in a room with air conditioning can transform your holiday experience and be well worth the investment. 

Your One Trip All Year

You work hard all year long, and only afford yourself a two-week holiday every year. This means that during that time you should splurge. After all, you’ve earned it. So upgrade your plane ticket, and book a room at the five-star resort you’ve been admiring ever since you found your favourite holiday spot.

A Special Occasion

Taking a holiday to celebrate an important anniversary or milestone birthday? Then it’s really important to live it up on your holiday. You want to be able to really enjoy yourself and so go all out and spoil yourself and that special someone.

Life Is Too Short

If you can afford to upgrade but simply don’t, you should consider changing the way you travel. Life is too short to be scraping by, especially when you’re on holiday. Saving for a rainy day is good, but what about enjoying life in the here and now? What if it never ‘rains?!’

First-Time Travellers

It’s really important that when you are travelling for the first time, especially overseas, you live it up a little, before going hardcore backpacking. It will help ease you into travelling, especially if you are going for an extended period of time. The last thing you want is for your first night in a foreign country after travelling for 20 hours to be spent in a room without air-conditioning with 10 other people.

What If You Can’t Afford to Upgrade?

Then save more and travel less. Think of it as quality over quantity. If you really want to enjoy a luxurious escape then simply save your pennies for an extra 6 months to a year so you can truly enjoy the holiday you’ve always dreamed of.

About the author
Tom Mallet is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US, adding an Asian twist once in a while. He’s published more than 500 articles about various topics.

Qatar Holding will buy several properties on the Costa Smeralda (The Emerald Coast) in a deal that is supposed to go public on Tuesday as undisclosed sources quoted by Reuters announced today.

So far, the fund didn’t make any comments regarding this deal and the source didn’t want its name disclosed as the information and deal are not yet public. But there isn’t much time left until this acquisition should become public knowledge. 

A tourist destination in northern Sardinia, Costa Smeralda draws many visitors each year and it is well knows as a luxury destination as it includes several luxury hotels and a golf club.

This deal is only the newest made by the fund from Qatar, as it has also acquired some very high profile locations like the upmarket Harrods department store in London and Credit Suisse headquarters in Canary Wharf. The fund from Qatar own some properties in real estate, infrastructure and other sectors in Europe so this move will only consolidate the position as a major player on the Old Continent.

Costa Smeralda is a coastal area that is 55 km long and covers more than 30 square kilometers. The area started to be developed in 1961, and now offers white sand beaches, private jet and helicopter service, a golf club and hotels that are hosting both regular tourist and famous tycoons and stars.

The area has some archaeological sites like the Li Muri “Tomba dei Giganti” (Giants’ Grave) and there are some towns and villages in the nearby that can also be visited.